Gorgeous weather, inspiring words — and of course decorated caps and celebratory cigars — helped make yesterday evening special for the 412 graduating seniors in Staples High School’s Class of 2016.
“06880” covered the event last night, with words and a few photos. Here are many more.
Staples junior Ryan Allen captured every emotion — the joy, the warmth, the poignancy — of the momentous event.
A memorial bench honors Timari Rivera, Staples ’21. In his remarks, principal Stafford Thomas asked for a moment of silence for Perrin Delorey, who would have graduated with the Class of ’26, and his own executive assistant, Arvinder Chadha, who died this year.
Principal Stafford Thomas carries the ceremonial mace.
The processional begins …
… and includes a hug from one teacher …
… and a high five from Italian teacher Louisa D’Amore to True Moyer Chung.
Choral members — seniors wearing robes, underclassmen without — sing the national anthem, and the tender “The Road Home.”
Principal Stafford Thomas prepares to give remarks.
Valedictorian Isabel Jo …
… and salutatorian Uma Choudhury.
Gabe Hellmann gets his diploma …
… as does Souleye Kebe. He was a student representative on the Board of Education, president of the Staples government — and the Wrecker mascot at football games.
ConGRADulations!
Well done!
Elijah Falkenstein and Kaia Levine announce the turning of tassels …
… and it’s official!
Brendan Allen — wearing his state championship soccer ring — enjoys a celebratory cigar.
After the ceremony: chatting with family, posing for photos …
… and one final moment together, at home plate. (All photos/Ryan Allen)
Lovely! Much more glamour tha our class of ‘61 but emotions ran just as high.
My father graduated from Staples 90 years ago and I have his Diploma and yearbook. I hope these graduates go on to become successful and be a positive influence to others.
Graduation sure has gotten fancier then it was back in my day. The gowns have a more premium look and then there are those stoles/scarf things with the year and school logos, and the elaborately decorated mortarboard caps. We had none of that.
It was stifling hot when I graduated and I wore shorts, a t-shirt and sneakers under my plain black, unadorned gown in 1975. Nobody was smoking cigars either and we just beat feet out of there. Of course it takes a long time to read 650+ names.
Times change and traditions as well so congrats to all the new grads. Enjoy the moment…time will fly by and you’ll soon be wondering what happened. Trust me on this.
Tom, I totally agree with your assessment, and then all of a sudden, it’s your 60th reunion.